Dog Health
Dog Health
Dog health is one aspect of pet care that every dog owner should know about. Life is short; we all know that. A dog's life is even more so. And you have very much to do whether it will be longer or shorter. Diseases and other dogs' health problems can cut off the time you spend with your beloved companion. Knowing what dog health problems are common and what steps to take to avoid them is the key to prolonging your pet's life and the time you spend with them.
In this article, we will take a brief look at the three significant sections of dog health: dog care, dog grooming, and common dog health issues to watch out for.
Dog Care
Your dog is dependent on you for everything – food, water, shelter, companionship, care, etc. In exchange, they give you a lifetime of unconditional love and devotion. We dare say it is a fair exchange and if you love your dog as much as you say you do, then show it by taking care of their needs.
You can start by outfitting your dog with a collar, preferably containing your name, address, and telephone number. There have been too many cases of lost pets. It is not merely about the owner's carelessness but in being remiss at taking extra careful steps to avoid losing your lifetime companion in the first place.
Another way of showing that you care about your dog is to take him for regular veterinary checkups. You can save yourself a whole lot of trouble by identifying any dog health symptoms early before they become full-blown diseases.
Dog Grooming
Not many dog owners are aware of this, but dog grooming is essential for dog health. Keeping your pet clean not only discourages diseases and illnesses from setting in it also helps improve your pet's mood and overall well-being.
Start by brushing your pet's coat at least twice a day. If your pet is particularly long-haired, then you may want to brush more frequently than that. Brushing can help spread the natural oils in your dog's hair and remove any excess dirt that gets stuck to his coat.
Dental care is also equally important in promoting your pet's health. Be sure to do it at least thrice a week, making sure to use a toothbrush with soft bristles to prevent any injury to the gums.
Clipping your dog's nails at least once a week is also advisable. Just let your dog sit and then gently take one of his paws. Your dog might feel uncomfortable at first, but you can use treats and praises to get him to like it in time. Be sure not to clip the nails beyond the quick, the part where nerve endings and blood vessels can be found.
Common Dog Health Issues
Your pet may be suffering from any of the following common problems:
- Allergy – The most apparent sign is itching. Sometimes excessive shedding can occur. The skin can be red and swollen, and your dog may be coughing, wheezing, or having difficulty breathing.
- Arthritis – The first sign of this problem is lameness which is not a result of direct limb injury. Your dog may have trouble getting up from a lying position. Sometimes, arthritis can occur in the spine. If your dog has an arthritic spine, you will know if his abdomen is hunched and he is unusually reluctant to move.
- Diarrhea – This is pretty easy to observe.
- Diabetes – This is an increasingly common problem in dogs.